News

Apps of the Week: ShipAntics, Modern Combat 5, This American Life 3.0 + more

Matter ($2) — Photo app maker Pixite is back with Matter, a new app that allows users to add 3D effects to photos. Those effects come in the form of various 3D objects — users have the ability to change the traits of the objects, as well. A video feature allows users to create short animated loops of the object within the photo. To us, the objects look a bit “prog-rock album cover,” but to some that’s likely part of the appeal.

ShipAntics: The Legend of The Kiki Beast ($2) — The prolific StoryToys continues to move in a new direction with ShipAntics: The Legend of the Kiki Beast. Unlike many of the developer’s storybook apps, this is a full-fledged adventure title for young gamers. Though the gameplay is mostly in simple point-and-click style, there are plenty of puzzles and cartoon cutscenes. This app is chapter one of a three-part series, with chapter two coming as a “low cost” in-app purchase in the future.

World Landmark Explorer ($3) — Peapod Labs has returned with another alphabet-centric learning app, this time teaching kids through geography. Despite the lack of the typical “ABC” in the title, World Landmark Explorer features 112 famous landmarks from 53 different countries, organized into alphabetical order. A full array of 336 photos and videos are available, making this worth the time for kids who are geographically-inclined — adults should enjoy it, too.

New Games

Modern Combat 5: Blackout ($7) — Gameloft’s Modern Combat 5: Blackout is one of the most anticipated iOS games of the year thus far. We’ll have a full review in tomorrow’s iLounge Game Spotlight.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles ($4) — Nickelodeon has released the official Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie game before the much-discussed film reboot of the franchise produced by Michael Bay. The game won’t create nearly as much controversy — though it does feature the new look Turtles. It’s a classic brawler with bright graphics, different game modes, and unlockable weapons and attacks.

Updates

Lex ($1) — Lex from Simple Machine is a great example of a developer listening to feedback and improving a game. While the original was fun — we gave it a B+ in our Game Spotlight — it was undeniably hard. A recent update saw the game’s pace slow considerably, making for a better overall experience. The newest update, version 1.2, allows double letters to hit the board at the same time, which should keep players feeling like they’re making the same words over and over again. It’s another improvement to what’s becoming a great word game. The game is on sale for free today only.

Procreate ($6) — Savage Interactive’s Procreate has been updated to version 2.1. The digital illustration app has added a number of new features, including color drop, threshold adjustments, reference layer, a color wheel, improved swatches and much, much more. Procreate also now features support for FiftyThree’s Pencil stylus.

This American Life ($1) — The This American Life app from Public Radio Exchange, featuring one of public radio’s most popular shows — and podcasts — has been updated to version 3.0.0 with a new, cleaner design. Notably, the app now allows users to download up to five episodes for offline listening, up from just one at a time. Additionally, a new Live Stream “station” lets users stream episodes of the show 24/7. This American Life is now a universal app.